How to Find a Job As a Foreigner in Dublin, Ireland

In these days commentators are likely to get verbally attacked on online forums if they suggest that it is possible to find a job in Ireland's capital Dublin. Indeed, in the last couple of weeks I have received critical comments on various forums about my positive views on the job situation in Dublin. Now I feel it is time for me to explain myself.

I am a Danish citizen. I have been living five years in Dublin. During this time I have had three different jobs. I have been a shop assistant, a hotel receptionist and a waiter in an exclusive members club. In all three cases, it took me less than three days to get these jobs. Is it pure luck? Well, most non-Irish people I know in Dublin have not had difficulties finding jobs. Those with low levels of English might have taken longer time to get a job. But, yes, it is my sincere impression that it is rather straight forward to get a job, advance your career and earn relatively good money in Dublin.

This is not to say that Dublin is a paradise. Those looking for their first work experience in Dublin might have to start out with a less pleasant job. But even casual workers are typically paid a decent salary. After half a year, these often find a better job and in the end they get their career going.

The unemployment rate in Ireland is currently around 14 per cent. But, it is important to bear in mind that unemployment in Dublin most likely is lower than elsewhere in Ireland. In Dublin, many live on social welfare and unemployment benefits, and a good part of these are satisfied with their situation and not active on the job market. Many young well-educated people are looking for jobs. But they are very critical in their job search and not even considering leaving their CV in a restaurant or shop. I believe that it is often these, who on online forums discourage people to go to Dublin for work. They are very frustrated about their situation. This is understandable. But this does not mean that it is impossible to get a job in Dublin.

Whether you are a social worker, an accountant or a schoolteacher Dublin offers you opportunities to advance your professional career. Thousands of foreigners have chosen to live in Dublin for the work experience and to improve language abilities. Many of the (Irish/non-Irish) unemployed have lost their jobs as a direct consequence of the construction crisis. These are on long-term unemployment schemes and typically not competing for the jobs thatyouare looking for.

Professional job openings in Dublin are generally always advertised online. Not only employers, but also job agencies make use of job search engines. Often job openings are only posted on job search engines - and not on the company's own website.

Many foreigners have found career-relevant jobs through a range of Dublin-based recruitment agencies. This is especially true for those working as multi linguistic officers. Dublin has throughout the last couple of decades attracted a wide range of foreign multinational corporations - especially major technology and pharmaceutical businesses. Today many of these have European headquarters and global service centres located in Dublin and elsewhere in Ireland. Multinationals such as Google, IBM, Amazon, Dell, Microsoft and Facebook allmake use of recruitment agencies when hiring new staff. If you are interesting in entering one of these multinationals, here is what to do: Contact a relevant recruitment agency and get an appointment at one of their Dublin offices. At the appointment you should be well dressed (wear a suit and tie if you're a man). Have a hard copy of your professional CV by hand.

Approach the recruitment agent as if he/she was your future employer. By making a good first impression there is a greater chance that you will be referred to one of their clients.

The governmental Training and Employment Authority is known as FÁS (Foras Áiseanna Saothair). FÁS has a number of Employment Service Offices and Training Centres around Dublin. Unfortunately, FÁS does not always manage to provide needed support to jobseekers. Nevertheless, try to upload your CV on the FÁS website and see what happens.

For more advice on looking for jobs, please visit dublin4you.ie. Good luck!